10-12-2022 PTL - Flipbook - Page 12
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A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Wednesday, October 12, 2022
CCRCs welcome, continued
from page 10
Get around, continued
from page 6
all levels of care. Volunteers will visit them, Caveat Emptor: Let the Buyer Beware
bring books and magazines, escort them to
Cromwell talks about some pitfalls
the movies or church, assist them in taking buyers could run into when purchasing
walks outside, and most importantly help mobility equipment:
them feel a part of our larger community.
• Choose the right vendor: How long
The person who created ‘Fade the Lines’ is
have they been in business? Do
now in assisted living and is realizing, from
they have the appropriate licensing?
a different perspective, how residents can
How many skilled service technimaintain socialization and friendships in any
cians do they have?
area of care in our community.”
• There’s no way to know for sure
According to the Maryland Department
what you’re getting because you
of Aging, “As of January 1, 2020, there are
can’t see it in person. Bedco has a
38 operating or approved continuing care
local showroom so you see what the
retirement communities, known as CCRCs,
product looks like, try it out, notice
in Maryland. The CCRCs, both operating and
how big it is, and can be sure of
under construction, contain over 16,000 conwhat you’re getting.
tinuing care units, of which over 12,000 are
• Stair lifts could present application
independent living, over 2,000 are assisted
challenges: width, top and bottom
living, and over 2,000 are nursing care.”
clearance, headroom, or the user’s
If this is something you aspire to, you
specific limitations. Do they offer
have myriad choices throughout the state.
free in-home assessments?
They come in every shape and size imagin• Many internet-based companies
able, so, like Elena G., you’re sure to find one
require you to pay 100% of the
that “just right.”
price in advance and there are no
guarantees of a refund. You could
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•
get stuck. Bedco only requires a
small deposit.
Internet companies don’t offer a
labor warranty. If there’s a problem,
you might have to disassemble it
send it back to the manufacturer,
a time-consuming and expensive
process.
Many of these companies only exist
online and are not real distributors
or manufacturers. You cannot be
sure with whom you’re dealing.
Direct-to-consumer sales over the
internet are against the policy of the
leading organization for accessibility
manufacturers and dealers, AEMA
(An Association of Members of the
Accessibility Industry).
Read reviews: Customers have a
powerful voice to give feedback on
their experience.
The MOST Valuable Card in your Wallet
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A million books, CDs and DVDs
eAudiobooks, eBooks
Streaming movies
Ancestry.com
Rosetta Stone
Programs for all ages
Kindergarten readiness storytimes
aacpl.net
But Wait…There’s More
If the equipment can be inspected
and refurbished, it allows for more people
to access the benefits of mobility and
accessibility solutions, like stair lifts and
vehicles. Bedco Mobility also rents some
equipment for short term use.
Cromwell says it is incredibly fulfilling to see customers use one of their
products for the first time. When he can
provide a solution for someone to move,
to get somewhere, to regain his or her
independence safely, it brings him joy.
“At the end of the day,” Cromwell
explains, “you feel a sense of satisfaction
because you meet such incredibly interesting people with diverse backgrounds.
You hear their stories, talk about their
current circumstances, and make sure
they’re satisfied with the product. We
all feel a sense of pride in what we do
because it’s about our word, our handshake, that we’re here for them today and
tomorrow and, in the end, we are helping
people live better lives.”